Black Heroes in Islam

I don’t normally refer to politics on this page, but a teacher sent me something recently that is so apt in this time of unrest in Ferguson and with the whole issue of race, and especially given that we are still in the months of commemorating Kerbala, that I thought I would share.

It is not surprising that Islam teaches us lessons through the personalities of Kerbala on every aspect of life – including race. It is also another great example of how we can introduce such topics in school settings…

Here is what she said:

“October is black history month where black personalities are remembered for their contributions in all walks – history, science, etc.

I took this opportunity to raise awareness at school and decided to hold assemblies and wrote an article for the weekly newsletter. Year 10’s have also read and discussed this in their PSHCE lessons:

“Black History Month continues to remember John and Fizza.

While everyone was enjoying their half term holidays some staff and students of QPC School were part of over 1.5 billion people globally commemorating the martyrdom of personalities such as John and Fizza.

John was a Christian Abyssinian freed slave who was the companion of Husayn. John’s life teaches us a lesson of loyalty and true friendship. He defended his companion with his life.

Fizza was an Abyssinian princess who left her riches to join the struggle of Husayn. Fizza showed that age or worldly desires should not come in the way of your belief. She happily went from riches to rags becoming the backbone of the household of Husayn which was a symbol of peace, justice and good virtue.

The selfless sacrifice made by black Abyssinian personalities such as John and Fizza at the epic of Karbala have great lessons for us to learn amidst a world of discrimination and injustice.”

P.S. The photo is of one of a great series of books on the companions of Imam Husayn (as) in Kerbala!